ACTRESS Emma Powell first saw a stage production of Menopause the Musical 20 years ago and loved the hit musical comedy.
Now the 55-year-old is one of the cast, and living the challenges portrayed in the show.
The musical follows four mature women shopping for lingerie during a sale. The characters are from diverse backgrounds but are all bought together by a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more, according to the show’s synopsis.
This is all knitted together with lyrics parodying popular music from the baby boomer era to reflect symptoms of the menopause.
Powell said that when she first saw the show she had friends in it, was 20 years younger and was not even contemplating menopause.
“But I’m 55 years old now and, you know, I’m there,” she said before a laugh.
“If you have ovaries, it’s eventually going to get you.
“I have always wanted to do Menopause the Musical – I thought this is just the perfect show for me.
“Comedy is my jam.”
Touring regionally was also a big bonus for Powell as she said it was very different to doing a show in one location.
Luckily the cast and crew get along very well, becoming each other’s family away from home, forged in the crucible of long car trips together and living in each other’s pockets.
“I have been working in this business for 35 years and working with these women is really lovely and the crew as well,” Powell said.
“We have just clicked and this can be seen in the show as well. It’s an absolute riot – we have a ball.”
Powell is looking forward to coming to Swan Hill. Although she has never performed here she is no stranger to the town as she grew up in Echuca.
The show is on Thursday, December 7, at 7.30pm at Swan Hill Town Hall. Tickets can be purchased online at www.swanhilltownhall.com.
